Free-range poultry house at Bovone Farm, Bovone Lane, Tibberton

What was proposed

The application sought a fourth poultry unit for 10,000 free-range broilers, with feed bins, drainage, access works and a dirty-water tank.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the construction of a free-range poultry house with associated infrastructure. The building will be used to rear broiler chickens for meat production.”

“Associated works include the installation of two feed bins, a concrete apron, a sealed underground dirty water tank, a new internal access track, and a sustainable drainage swale (a shallow, gently sloping vegetated channel designed to slow, store and treat surface water runoff).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the rural business, design, animal welfare and biodiversity benefits outweighed limited intensification, odour and landscape effects.

“The proposal would result in the following positive economic, environmental, and social effects: • Support the continued growth and operational efficiency of a rural agricultural business, consistent with NPPF paragraph 88(b). • Deliver economic benefits through farm diversification, job retention, and investment in local food production. • Improve animal welfare through reduced stocking densities across the wider site.”

“Incremental intensification of the existing poultry enterprise; • Increased potential for odour, which can be mitigated through a management plan; and • Minor landscape change, which is acceptable given the agricultural setting.”

Officer report

What people said

No neighbour or parish representations were received, and the agent spoke in support of the application.

“No representations have been received at the time of writing this report.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, while no objector, parish representative or ward member spoke.

Members’ debate

Members discussed free-range standards, ammonia, water quality, flood risk, waste management, highways, animal welfare and the site’s location in a nitrate vulnerable zone.

“Councillor Moseley highlighted that questions were raised at the site visit regarding the NVZA and the measures in the report were explained. The map in the presentation shows an alarming graphic, with the flood zones of the River Leadon, however assurances have been given that the site is above that and therefore not in flood zone two or three.”

“Councillor Simon Phelps expressed understanding around concerns with intensive poultry units which are very unsavoury, however noted an ever-increasing population which needs to be fed. This is a free-range enterprise and therefore comes under higher standards of animal welfare and management than an ordinary intensive unit would.”

Minutes

The vote

Seven councillors voted for the motion, one voted against and two abstained.

“The Chair summed up what was to be voted on. That the motion is for Delegated Permission as per the recommendation in the schedule and the amended conditions within the late material.”

“For (7) Councillors David Wheeler, Patrick Kyne, Julia Gooch, Jonathan Beeston, Simon Phelps, Ian Whitburn and Gill Moseley Abstain (2) Councillors Beth Llewellyn and Andrew McDermid Against (1) Councillor Sid Phelps Total (10)”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted delegated permission in line with the revised recommendation and amended conditions.

“RESOLVED:- To grant Delegated Permission as per the revised recommendation and the amended conditions in the late material.”

Minutes